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Pacific Ocean. Author Brocken Inaglory.

25 Best Facts about North America

North America, one of the most visited place, is a continent that lies between the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It attracted visitors as back as about 20,000 years with the famous Christopher Columbus getting the credit of discovering America according to historians. This important event opened up the region leading to the arrival of European settlers who later changed this magnificent region. Strategically located, it also  borders the north with the Arctic Ocean and the famous Atlantic Ocean. Further down south it shares its borders with South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south with the Pacific Ocean.

It covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometres (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of Earth’s land area and about 4.8% of its total surface area. It is also the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe. In 2013, its population was estimated at nearly 579 million people in 23 independent states, or about 7.5% of the world’s population.

A visit to North America can provide a rich and rewarding travel experience, with something to offer for every type of traveler ranging from natural wonders, cultural diversity, entertainment, amongst others. Let us walk the journey and discover the 25 Best Facts about North America that make people from all over the world want to visit this region. 

1. North America Is The Third-Largest Continent

North America stands as one of the largest regions of the world both in terms of surface area and population. Geographically, around 16.5% of the Earth’s land area and 4.8% of its total surface area are occupied by this region, which has a total area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles). Only Asia and Africa in terms of area super cede North America.

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2. It Hosts The Largest And Deepest World Ocean Basins

Pacific Ocean. Author Brocken Inaglory.

As illustrated earlier, the region is surrounded by water masses. The Pacific Ocean is one of the water masses and is the largest and deepest of the world’s ocean basins. Covering approximately 63 million square miles and containing more than half of the free water on Earth, the Pacific is by far the largest of the world’s ocean basins. It is said that all of the world’s continents could fit into the Pacific basin.

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3. 23 Nations And 20 Non-Sovereign Territories Make Up North America

Shoreline of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Author Arturo Donate. Wikimedia Commons

The three main regions of North America are Northern America, the Caribbean, and (in a confused way) Central America. In addition to the 23 nations that make up North America, there are also more than 20 non-sovereign territories, such as Bermuda, Aruba, the Cayman Islands, Greenland, and Puerto Rico. Despite these numbers, there are only three main languages spoken in North America. These include; English, Spanish, and French. Anglo-America to the north and Latin America to the south can be distinguished linguistically and culturally as parts of North America.

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4. It Boasts Of The Oldest Mountain Range In The Globe

For mountain lovers, it might be of interest to know that the Appalachian Mountains, which extend from the U.S. state of Alabama up to Canada, are the oldest mountain range in the globe and are found in North America.

5. Denali Is The Highest Peak In North America

North America is a region with rich piece of history and information. Very rich in fauna, you can get the tallest peak in North America, Denali. Commonly known as Mount McKinley, it is situated in south-central Alaska and is the third-highest of the Seven Summits, with a peak rising to 6,190 meters (20,310 feet) above sea level.

6. The Largest City In North America is Mexico City

Mexico City International Airport. Author Sharon Hahn Darlin.

Mexico City is famous for its Soap Opera. Its population, according to the most recent definition adopted by the federal and state governments, is 21.2 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in the western hemisphere, the fifth largest agglomeration, and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world.

7. The Great Lakes Are The Largest Freshwater Lakes In The World

Waterspouts over the Great Lakes. Author National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Great Lakes form part of the water masses of North America. Geographically situated between Canada and the United States, Lake Superior is the Great Lake in North America with the biggest surface area, covering around 82,000 square kilometers. The Great Lakes are known to make up the greatest collection of freshwater lakes on Earth.

Read about  the 10 Best Lakes in New Hampshire.

8. The Rocky Mountains re located in North America

North America’s Rocky Mountains, sometimes known as the Rockies, are an amazing site to view. They cover around 3,000 miles from northern Alberta and British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the United States (4,800 kilometers). The system is up to 300 miles broad in certain spots.

9. North America Is Home To Iconic Landmarks

North America is one of the continents that is traveled to the most. In this continent, there is something for everyone to discover, from the natural wonders of Canada and Mexico to the historical and architectural wonders of the United States. These landmarks range from the Statue of Liberty in New York to remarkable architectural and engineering works.

10. The Death Valley National Park Is The Lowest Point In North America

The Death Valley National Park. Author Ken Lund.

The amazing story of North America is never short of information. Visiting the Death Valley National Park you will not only find the lowest point in North America with 86 m/ 282 ft. below sea level, but this is also the hottest and the driest national park in the USA.

11. The Mississippi River Is The Fourth-Longest River In The World

The Mississippi River, which originates at Lake Itasca and flows 2,350 miles through the middle of the continental United States to the Gulf of Mexico, is the second-longest river in North America. Itstributary, the Missouri River, is nearly 100 miles longer. It is also the fourth-longest river in the world.

12. The Climate is Typically Dry, With Chilly Winters And Hot Summers

The climate is typically dry, with chilly winters and hot summers, but with the considerable range that is to be expected throughout a continent that stretches from the Arctic Circle to the tropics.

13. The Region Was Founded By The Vikings

After the visit by Christopher Columbus who opened up this region to the world, the Vikings, who were not the original inhabitants of the region are said to have founded a settlement in what is now Newfoundland in the eleventh century. They are known to be the first Europeans to settle in North America.

14. It Has A Population Of Approximately 331 Million Citizens

As of 2020, more than half of the region’s population, approximately 331 million citizens, lived in the United States making it the third-largest nation in the world. 

15. The Canadian Shield, Is One Of The Oldest Geological Formations On Earth

The Canadian Shield, Is one of the oldest geological Formations on Earth is found in the Canadian Shield. The entire area is made up of ancient crystalline rocks with a complicated structure that testifies to a lengthy history of erosion, mountain-building (orogeny), uplift, and depression.

16. Christianity Is The Dominant Religion In North America

Religion plays a very important role in societies and the North Americans are not an exception. Most of the North American people are Christians (75%), others are Muslims, Jews and some indigenous people have their indigenous beliefs.

17. More Than 50 Species Of Freshwater Mussels Live In The Mississippi River Basin

Mississippi River. Author Mississippi_River_-_New_Orleans.

More than 50 species of freshwater mussels live in the Mississippi River Basin, which has a surface area of 3.2 million square kilometers (1.2 million square miles). The basin, which is more than 1,245,000 square miles in size, contains all or portions of 31 states, and includes two Canadian provinces. Its shape is similar to a funnel, with its spout at the Gulf of Mexico. The lower river receives water from sources as far east as New York and as far west as Montana.

18. North America Is Home To Some Of The World’s Largest Oil Reserves

North America is rich in natural resources. According to research, the main natural resources that have been identified include coal, copper, zinc, iron ore and nickel (used to make steel) and precious metals such as gold and silver. It was the world’s largest oil producer in 2019 and third biggest coal producer (after China and India).

19. Its Skyscrapers Have Attracted A Huge Number Of Visitors Every Year

Skyscrapers. Photo by Damir Babacic on

New York/USA has given North America something that it is always proud of and a talk of the world attracting a huge number of visitors every year. It has the second most skyscrapers in a city! The city with more than 300 skyscrapers that are taller than 150 m/493 ft.

20. The United States Is The World’s Largest Producer Of Corn And Soybeans

Corn. Photo by Katherine Volkovski on

With a forecasted production of 346.0 million metric tons for the 2019–2020 season, the United States is by far the greatest maize producer and exporter in the world. The amount of land in America used to cultivate maize varies from season to season, but on average 90 million acres are planted with the crop each year. About half of the total was utilized as feed grain for livestock, with domestic consumption accounting for a sizable portion of the total.

21. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Is A Must Visit

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, also known as the “Serengeti of North America,” is located in the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is significant as it is one of the remaining substantial, largely intact temperate ecosystems on earth. The34,375-square-mile area is centered on Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and is home to more wildlife than any other area in the lower 48 states.

For animal lovers Elk, deer, moose, pronghorn, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep can all be found roaming freely over this enormous region at the bottom of the food chain.  As you move around you will also come across smaller creatures including beavers, jackrabbits, snowshoe hares, squirrels, and yellow-bellied marmots .

22. Canadian Rockies Play Host To Some OF The Most Breathtaking National Parks

Some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world, like  Banff, Jasper, and Yoho, are found in the Canadian Rockies, which is part of North America. These national parks run from British Columbia to Alberta in western Canada. The region is also well-known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, plethora of animals, and outdoor activity options.

23. The United States Has The Largest Economy In The World

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $21 trillion, the United States is said to have the largest economy in the world. It was by far the greatest economy in our ranking for 2021, with a GDP of 23.32 trillion dollars. 

24. The Largest Non-Polar Ice field In The World Can Be Found In North America

The largest non-polar ice field in the world, the Kluane Ice field, is located in Canada’s Yukon Territory.  It sits  in the 21,980-km2 (8 490-mile2) Kluane National Park and Reserve and occupies more than half of the park and has glaciers that extend for 60 km. It is approximately 2,5003,000 m (8,2009,800 ft) high (37 miles).

25. The Grand Canyon Is One Of The World’s Most Famous Natural Wonders

For those who have visited the Grand Canyon, you will see that it is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. It is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters).